B.C. couple calls for ban on commercial trapping on public land after death of dog

A couple up from ra raging Springs, B.C., say they didn’t live traplines were a put on the line on public land in Canada until their husky Moon died in a baited trap near their home earlier this month.

“It was a horrific experience that should never happen to anybody,” said Sean Boxall.

Now, he and his partner Nicole Trigg want to educate others on the prevalence of traps in B.C.’s backcountry, and are calling on the government to prohibit commercial traplines on public land — which does not include Indigenous harvesting and trapping rights.

In the commercial trapping industry, which is regulated under the Wildlife Act, fur-bearing animals that are not typically hunted for meat, like lynx, fox, bobcats, wolves and minx, are killed for their pelts.

B.C. Couple calls for trapping reform after death of beloved dog

Conibear traps, like the one that killed Moon, use a spring-loaded design that snaps around an animal’s neck. They often use bait as an attractant and are intended to quickly kill fur-bearing animals for their pelts. 

The trappers association said, unfortunately, outcomes can differ significantly when a non-target species is captured by a trap.

“It wasn't a quick kill. It was several minutes,” said Boxall of his dog's death.

On Jan. 8, Boxall loaded up his truck with ski gear and his two-year-old dog Moon. They drove up a plowed road west of their home to a popular snowmobile and recreation area that Boxall frequents in the summer for work.

He said he didn't know that the winter is trapping season, and initially didn't see two signs that had been erected in the trees that lined the roadside pullout where he parked. 

As usual when they arrived at their ski destination, Moon hopped out of the truck to sniff around nearby while Boxall got his gear organized. 

Boxall said he could see Moon’s wagging tail on the edge of the woods when he noticed the sign saying there was trapping in the area.

He yelled out and began running over just as he heard the snap of the metal trap around Moon's neck.

Boxall thinks Moon, who was perpetually curious and hungry, was enticed by the fresh meat bait and lured into the trap.

“It's just 100 per cent indiscriminate. Anything that eats meat is going to investigate one of those traps and potentially be tortured and killed," Boxall said.

He tried to free Moon, but Conibear traps are difficult to open and he cut his hand, which later required stitches.

He ran back to the truck and grabbed his chainsaw to cut the metal trap and free Moon, who had already lost consciousness.

“I saw the look in my little buddy's face as he was in pain and terror and, yeah, torture,” said Boxall. 

The trapping association said public education on the methods used to trap animals for fur is imperative to ensure the safety of all backcountry users, especially as the number of people exploring Crown land increases. It also said pets should be on leash when on public land, as traps may be present and signage is not always required.

It said commercial trapping is an important and historical industry in Canada. Most commercial trappers were introduced to the practice by their family or community and the tradition is often passed down generation to generation.

Traditional Indigenous trapping practices are not the same as commercial trapping and have sustained First Nations people since time immemorial. Indigenous people do not require a licence to trap in B.C., and typically trap animals with the intention of both consuming their meat and using the pelts.

Pelts from commercial trapping are typically sold to the fashion industry and the meat is not usually eaten. The trapping association said trapping aids in population management across large landscapes and in disease control of animals that are not typically hunted.

The association said provincial regulations based on ecological data dictates the specific requirements trappers must follow to prevent over-harvesting and mitigate unintentional trapping of non-target animals. The regulations also outline how frequently trappers must physically check their set line.

The B.C. Trappers Association said in Canada, commercial trappers must abide by the parameters outlined by the International Humane Trapping Standards.

Lesley Fox, the executive director of the Fur-Bearers, an organization that advocates for wildlife protection, believes there is no humane way to trap an animal, though. She said traps don't always function as intended, sometimes leading to the death of non-target animals or prolonged suffering.

She said the Furbearers believe commercial trapping for fur should be banned in public areas.

At a minimum, Fox said the Fur-Bearers would like the provincial government to require mandatory warning signs for all active commercial traps and increased setbacks and separation from dwellings, trails and roads.

The provincial government is inviting the public to comment on proposed regulation changes to the International Humane Trapping Standards certified trap list until Feb. 13.

Journalist

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